History of Hendricks County, Indiana, Part 39

Author: Inter-State Publishing Co.
Publication date: 1885
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 786

USA > Indiana > Hendricks County > History of Hendricks County, Indiana > Part 39

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much has been done in sixty-two years, what may we expect at her hundredth anniversary-in 1923 ?

Men and nations are as they are taught. As a people elevate and sustain their educators, so will their educators be found, in turn, the great instrumentality which brings them intelligence, freedom, prosperity and peace, and in the end true honor and glory.

THE CENTRAL NORMAL COLLEGE,

located at Danville, is not only the pride of Hendricks County but in the front rank of the leading educational institutions of the State. This school was organized by Professors Darst and Harper, at Ladoga, Montgomery County, in the autumn of 1876, with forty- eight pupils in attendance. The outlook was not such as to inspire confidence and a hope of permanent success at this time, but the founders, being young men of energy and ability, began to push the work with such vigor that the community was forced to acknowl- edge the power which was rising in their midst. One by one the lovers of learning turned from their various employments to find a home within the college walls.

At the close of the first year twelve persous, having completed the course prescribed by the institution, received the degree of B. S. Several of these graduates have become distinguished as edu- cators in this and other States. One of the number, Miss A. Kate Huron, has since been a member of the faculty, and has not only added much to the success and prosperity of the school, but has enrolled her name among those of the most prominent teachers of the State. Near the close of the year, Prof. Darst having resigned, Prof. Harper called to his aid the genial and scholarly Frank P. Adams, of Kentucky, afterward the loved and honored President of the institution.

The second year opened up with an increased attendance, and everything bid fair for a most prosperous year. So rapid was the growth during the second and third terms that it became evident that unless the accommodations were increased it would be impos- sible to fulfill the promises made in the circulars and catalogues, and the development of the school must be checked in its very infancy.

Realizing the condition of affairs toward which they were drift- ing the faculty and citizens went to work with a will to raise a suf- ficient amount by voluntary contribution to erect an addition to

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CENTRAL NORMAL COLLEGE.

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the building then occupied by the school. The people of the town and surrounding country were generally interested in the enter- prise and many donated liberally, but some, thinking, no doubt, that they could enjoy the benefits without bearing the burdens, withheld their means, and the result was that on the 10th of May, 1878, the institution with 175 students, library and apparatus, was removed to more commodious quarters in the pleasant little city of Danville. The citizens threw open their homes to the students and did all in their power to aid and encourage the faculty, yet the work was ardnous and it was with great difficulty that the school was enabled to move on without a break in its work.

Soon after the removal, and just as the institution was beginning to take root in its new field, Prof. Harper was succeeded in the presidency by Prof. F. P. Adams. The new president had already ingratiated himself into the hearts of his associates, and had won the confidence and esteem of both students and citizens; conse- quently they were ready and willing to assist him in the great work which he had so reluctantly undertaken. But with all this it was an Herculean task to bring harmony out of chaos, and to reinstate a structure which seemed tottering in its foundation.

Prof. Adams entered upon his duties fully realizing the difficul- ties which stood in the way of success, but throwing his whole life and soul into the enterprise he was not only enabled to meet the demands made upon him, but to purchase the Danville Seminary building constructed a few years before by the Methodist Episcopal church at a cost of $30,000. The use of the building had been fur- nished the school free of charge, but the transfer of ownership enabled the president to make many needed improvements. Once more the bow of promise shed its benign rays upon the institution. But clouds were gathering in the distance and before the year had closed Prof. M. T. Travers, a young man of ability and fine social qualities, was compelled by failing health to relinquish his position, never again to be permitted to resume the work which he had so well begun. In him the school lost a true friend and a faithful, earnest worker.

The commencement exercises were unusually interesting and the graduates young ladies and gentlemen of refinement and ability. The first classic class, consisting of three members, viz., S. M. Cut- ler, W. T. Eddingfield and S. E. Thomas, received the honors of the institution with the degree of A. B.

After the usual vacation activities were resumed and continned

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without interruption until spring. Students came pouring in from every direction. The president saw that his teaching force must be increased and immediately called to his aid three men of wide reputation and acknowledged ability, viz .: Dr. Joseph Tingley, for twenty years a teacher in Asbury (now De Pauw) University; Prof. Alex. C. Hopkins, formerly State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Prof. John A. Steele, for many years a teacher in the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. The school now seemed to take on new life, and few institutions of learning have marched to the front with more rapid strides or maintained their positions with a more determined purpose than did the Cen- tral Normal College under so able a corps of instructors.

The two years following were eventful only in that they sent from the door of the college hundreds of young men and women with higher ideas of life than had ever occupied their minds before.

During all this time Prof. Adams had worked with untiring zeal to strengthen and build up the various departments of the school. But disease had begun its work and was fast staying the hand which had labored with such unselfish devotion for the cause of education. On the 25th of November, 1882, at the early age of thirty years, he closed the book of life, and was laid to rest in the east cemetery near where his noblest work was done. A beautiful monument marks the place of his silent abode but a more endur- ing one is reared in the memory of those who mourn his untimely death. No one presumed to take his place, but acting in accord- ance with the unanimous wish of the faculty, his bereaved com- panion took upon herself the name which he had worn.

The new president was not ignorant concerning the affairs of the school, and having at her side Prof. Steele, who had previously been appointed Vice-President, she performed her duty with credit to herself and satisfaction to those under her employ. The major part of the work, it is true, was intrusted to Prof. Steele, a man of rare ability both as a teacher and a business manager. He being well acquainted with the plans of the late president, suc- ceeded in carrying them out so perfectly that there was neither jar nor discord.

Two more years of valuable work were given to the public. The school building was improved and its capacity increased by fitting up some of the rooms which had not been in use, and partitioning others. The president erected for herself a beautiful and commo- dious dwelling just opposite the college; also a large dormitory

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for rooming and boarding students. Many new and valuable books were added to the library, and such apparatus as was needed from time to time. Notwithstanding all these expenditures and many oth- ers, the resources were ample to meet them, and the credit of the in- stitution was never shaken, even for a moment. But this high degree of prosperity was not reached without effort. Everybody connected with the school worked faithfully for the advancement of its interests. Especially was this true of Prof. Steele who, not being disposed to shirk responsibility, confined himself too closely to his desk and thus laid the foundation of the disease which was soon to step between him and his most cherished profession. His friends admonished him to desist froin his work, and, if possible, regain his failing health. But he was so deeply impressed with the grandeur and magnitude of the work in which he was engaged that selfish thoughts had little power to turn him from his course. It was late in the autumn when he reluctantly consented to leave Danville for a time, in order t at he might enjoy the advantages of a more genial clime. Having selected Jacksonville, Fla., he re- mained at that place for a few wee . In finding the atmosphere too humid for pulmonary diseases, he repaired to Thomasville, Ga. Here he remained with his brother unti the opening of spring. As soon as the weather would permit, he .... ned his face home- ward, fully realizing that his days on earth were few. On the 27th day of March he a rived at Danville, greatly emaciated, and in fee- ble health, but his joy at bei ngonce more in the midst of interested and loving friends knew no bounds.

During his absence, the wants of the school were not neglected. Every teacher was at bis post working earnestly for the advance- ment of his classes. The students were considerate and kind, and the utmost harmony prevailed. On Tuesday morning, May 5, while the school was assembled in the chapel to attend their accus- tomed exercises, and while the music of an hundred voices wafted on the balmy breath of spring, was floating in at the open door of his chamber, Prof. Steele be sleep of death.

His near rela ves and friends accompanied by two members of the faculty, bore his lifeless body to the old cemetery near Coalton, Ohio, and with mar .s and many flowers they laid it tenderly away beside the : . dust of her who gave her life for his.

It seems but little less than marvelons that any institution of learning, independentof endowment of any kind, and unsupported by the State, could not only support itself, but could even grow

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and prosper under such calamities. Nevertheless it is true that the present year (1885), has brought the largest returns of any in the history to the school, and at no time has there been more uni- versal satisfaction on the part of those in attendance.

Free from debt or incumbrance of any kind, supported by thou- sands of enterprising young ladies and gentlemen throughout this and other States, honored and respected at home and abroad, free from sectarianism and bigotry of every kind, located in one of the most charming, moral and healthful towns in the State, supplied with an excellent library and apparatus, and above and beyond all a faculty of enterprising, progressive and efficient teachers, the Cen- tral Normal College stands a living monument of those who have given the best efforts of their lives for its advancement, and a true exponent of independent thought, personal responsibility and Christian civilization.

FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS, President of the Central Normal College .- Born, lived, died-the common biography of the mill- ions. These three chapters of common history have borrowed lustre from the personality of him who moved among us, with high aims, to such a noble end. He was first cradled in his mother's arms Nov. 16, 1852. She, one of nature's true gentle- women, stamped upon this coin the name which gave it commercial value-Frank. Had she left him unnamed until an appellation must be carved upon his tombstone she could not have chosen another more descriptive of his character.

His life until fourteen differed little from that of other farmer boys, marked only by an earnest desire to secure an education. He went to Lebanon-that place of blessed memory to so many men and women of our times. He was taken sick before long, when he came to Danville to claim the hospitality of his uncle, G. W. Wayland. When his health was restored sufficiently he placed himself under the tuition of Prof. Gilmore, then principal of the Danville Academy. Soon he was called home to the death-bed of his sister. This was the fall of 1867. He then went to Hamilton County, Ohio, where he taught his first school. He returned to Lebanon where he pursued his studies until 1871 when he gradu- ated in the scientific course. While he was yet upon the rostrum from which his oration had been delivered, Mrs. Roberts secured him to work with her in the Normal School at Catlettsberg, Ky. He stayed with her until her marriage, when he succeeded her in the management of the school. His connection with this institu-

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tion lasted three years, at the expiration of which time he engaged to teach with Prof. H. N. Carver, of Medina, Ohio, while he pur- sued his classical studies. Having worked on an average of seven- teen hours a day in class and study, he completed his course in 1875.

After graduation he returned to Kentucky and found employ- ment as principal of a graded school in Independence, the capital of his native county. Here he remained two years, assisted dur- ing the first by Miss Ora Wilson, who, the 17th of December, in the second year, became his wife.

That teaching should be his life-work was now an established fact, and he was seeking a place of more extended usefulness when his uncle, G. W. Wayland, proposed that he should correspond with Prof. W. F. Harper, of Ladoga, who was then in need of a good man. Few letters were exchanged until Prof. Harper enthu- siastically informed us,-" I have the man. You will all like him. He is Frank P. Adams, of Kentucky. He will be with us for short session."

Saturday evening, June 30, 1877, a crowd, which a heavy sum- mer shower could not disperse, was collected on the college campus. The people had come to follow the band to meet the Eastern train which bore to them the new professor. Everybody was interested. The students had planned this reception, but teachers and hun- dreds of the good citizens mingled in the concourse and formed the procession to the depot and thence to the Baptist church, where was met the new man whose life was then consecrated to the service of the institution.

Thus he was welcomed to the school in the beginning of its exist- ence. In reply to the welcome tendered him, he said: " My hap- piness is more than I can bear. I have been trying to think what . I ever did to call forth such a demonstration as you have accorded me. A sense of my own weakness is the most distinct impres- sion of my mind. But as I thank you for this reception, I also promise you my best efforts, my heartiest endeavors, the most de- termined energy of my life." How well this pledge was kept throughout the eventful years, let the fraternal feelings of his as- sociate teachers and the hearts of his loving students testify. His familiar mingling with them strengthened the bond of friendship which had been sealed with the first warm grasp of his hand.

He had seen much of life and was ready with practical sugges- tions whenever he was consulted upon any of the perplexities which

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vex student life, with advice whenever told of the plans more hope- ful ones had fixed for their future. All those qualities which en- deared him to his friends welded him, with chains hard to be severed, to his immediate kindred, and above all to those of his little house- hold. Frank in his social intercourse; fair in his business transac- tions, and just; faithful in the discharge of his duties, -this is the character-a memory sweet to his brothers and sisters,-the herit- age, he leaves this prosperous institution, -the gem that in woman- hood little Effie will prize more than accumulated wealth, a talisman that will make warm hearts warmer toward the living wife.

JAIL AND POOR FARM.

The jail and sheriff's residence is also a building worthy of the county and its inhabitants. In its construction the comfort and health of those who were to be confined there were considered, and the best arrangement consistent with the safety of the prison- ers was made for both. All prison reformers who have inspected this jail are constrained to compliment the humanity of its designs. The cost of this building was about $30,000.

The county asylum is situated on a farm of eighty acres, one mile east of Danville. It is also a large and substantially built edifice, of sufficient size to accommodate all the destitute poor of the county with a home, which in its beauty of location and attractive improvements and surroundings and substantial comforts is cer- taiuly sufficient to mitigate in a very great degree the bitter lot of those who are obliged, on account of the misfortunes that have gathered around them, to seek an asylum beneathtits hospitable roof. This building and the farm upon which it is situated cost the county over $40,000, and is an enduring monument to the benevolence of the people who prompted its erection and willingly met the cost.

INDIANA REFORM SCHOOL FOR BOYS.

The law providing for the establishment of this important insti- tution was approved March 8, 1867, and, soon after, the present site was selected, than which a more beautiful and appropriate one could scarcely be found. Situated on a beautiful upland nearly a mile southwest of the village of Plainfield, and fourteen miles west of the State capital, on probably the best watered tract of land in the State, amidst a quiet, orderly, intelligent community, the school enjoys many privileges denied other public institutions.

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Work on the first buildings was at once commenced, and Frank B. Ainsworth was regularly installed as Superintendent Oct. 31, 1867. On the 1st of January, 1868, they were ready to admit inmates, but the first boy was not admitted till Jan. 26. He was from Hendricks County.

Mr. Ainsworth remained in charge of the institution more than eight years, and was succeeded April 5, 1876, by James O'Brien. He was followed, April, 1880, by Thomas J. Charlton, under whose efficient and prudent management the school has continued to steadily improve. The present officers are as follows: Board of Control, L. A. Barnett, D ... resident; Lewis Jordan, Indian- apolis, and H. N. Helms, Carlisle; Superintendent, T. J. Charl- ton; Matron, Mrs. Alice R. Charlton; Chaplain, John G. Blake, Indianapolis; Physician, Amos Carter, Plainfield; Consulting Phy- sician, T. E. Evans, Plainfield.

The eighteenth annual report for the year ending Oct. 31, 1884, shows the total number admitted since the opening of the school to be 2,057; number received during the year, .395; number of inmates at close of year, 437; released on "ticket of leave," 182; "ticket of leave" boys returned, forty-four; homes procured for boys, thirty-eight.

This is not a prison but a charitable institution-a reform school, in the full sense of the word, for those whose home influences have been unfortunate, and who are in danger of becoming hardened criminals. Every boy is in school one-half of each day, except during the warm summer months, when only the primary grades are in session. The farm consists of 225 acres, but so much of it is waste land along the creek and taken up by buildings and play grounds, that only 145 acres are used for cultivation and pasture. The inmates are divided into twelve families, of about thirty-five boys each. A family is in charge of an officer called "house- father," who is responsible for the discipline and condition of his family.

The present number of boys from Hendricks County is thirty. The institution contains three distinct departments-the schools, the manual labor department and the family instruction. The schools are conducted on the half-day system, the boys who work in the forenoon attending school in the afternoon, and those who attend school in the forenoon engaging in some kind of labor during the afternoon. All schools are graded like public schools. That the school is doing its work well is a thoroughly proven

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fact. Nearly 1,500 boys have passed through the institution and are now out in the world. Over ninety per cent. out of that num- ber are leading honest and honorable lives.

THE HENDRICKS COUNTY OLD SETTLERS' SOCIETY

was organized in 1872 at Green Valley Farm, with William D. Truster as President and M. G. Parker, Secretary. Ten annual re-unions have been held, on the third Saturday in June. No attempts have yet been tnade to collect early history, and the meetings are entirely social in character. Speeches and addresses are made by pioneers, and orations have been made by Gov. O. P. Morton and ex-Senator Joseph E. McDonald. Marion and Putnam counties are frequently represented at these gatherings, which sometimes include 8,000 to 10,000 people. The last meeting at Danville was in 1883; it was thinly attended on account of rainy weather. In 1884 the society was re-organized at Green Valley Farm, ten miles south of Danville, and there the re-union of 1885 was held in August.

AGRICULTURAL.

Following are a few statistics of the more important crops, taken from the Fifth Annual Report of the Bureau of Statistics of Indi- ana.

Wheat .- Of this cereal there were planted in 1883 a total of 39,397 acres, and in the year previous 44,284 acres, or nearly equal to two full townships of land. The yield was 445,042 bushels in 1883; 782,431 bushels in 1882; 444,272 bushels in 1881; 521,883 bushels in 1880; and 553,506 bushels in 1879.

Corn .- In 1883 there were planted 41,638 acres to corn, and in 1882 there were 45,676 acres. The yield in 1883 was 1,308,205 bushels; 1,600,968 bushels in 1882; 847,073 bushels in 1881; 1,259- 687 bushels in 1880; and 2,016,351 bushels in 1879.

Oats .- An acreage of 3,374 produced in 1883, 117,855 bushels against a yield the previous year of 126,988 bushels.

Potatoes .- In 1883, 785 acres produced 85,460 bushels; while in 1882 the yield was 63,975 bushels.

Timothy .- The acreage in 1883 was 18,391; yield, 36,309 tons ; yield in 1882, 18,496 tons.

Clover .- Acreage in 1883, 12,321 ; crop in 1883, 25,401 tons ; in 1882, 11,104 tons.

Maple Molasses. - Gallons in 1882, 5,726 ; in 1883, 7,883.

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Maple Sugar .- Pounds in 1882, 1,175 ; in 1883, 812.

Sorghum Molasses .- Gallons in 1882, 11,140 ; in 1883, 9,471. Sorghum Sugar .- Pounds in 1882, 230.

Tile Drain .- Rods reported in 1883, 336,388, against 318, 428 rods in 1882.

Cider .- In 1882, 5,292 gallons were made.

Vinegar .- In 1883, 739 gallons of this condiment were man- ufactured.

Milk .- In 1883, the number of gallons reported were 1,831,838, against 1,656,740 gallons in 1882.

Bees and Honey .- In 1883 the stands of bees reported were 718 in number as compared with 499 in 1882. The product of honey was 4,777 and 7,875 pounds in the respective years.

Butter .- In 1883 there were made 433,686 pounds, the prod- nct of the previous year being 365,718 pounds.

Eggs .- In 1883, dozens, 186, 162; previous year, 259,713 dozens.

Wool .- The wool-clip of 1882 reached 91,182 pounds ; that of 1883, 91,963 pounds.

Horses .- In 1883, the number of horses reported was 6,934, against 7,439 in 1882.

Mules .- In 1883, 811; in 1882, 605.

Cattle .- In 1883, 18,295; in 1882, 19,820.

Hogs .- Number of stock hogs in 1883, was 32,495; 1882, 24, 983; number of fatted hogs, 1883, 25,208; 1882, 39,594; weight of fatted hogs in 1883 was 6,797,360 pounds.

Sheep .- In 1883, 20,085; in 1882, 20,431; lambs in 1883, 7,838; in 1882, 10,267.

Poultry .- In 1883 there were reported 149 geese, 97 ducks, 33 guineas, 10,916 dozens of chickens and 547 dozens of turkeys.

Apple Trees .- In 1882, of bearing age, 83,380; non-bearing age, 159,396; in 1883, bearing, 54,223; non-bearing, 32,089.

Peach Trees .- Bearing age, in 1882, 9,545; non-bearing age, 8,986; in 1883, bearing, 7,156; non-bearing, 7,700.

Pear Trees .- In 1882, bearing age, 3,467; non-bearing, 3,883; in 1883, bearing, 3,010; non-bearing, 2,964.

Plum Trees .- In 1882, bearing age, 647; non-bearing, 1,032; in 1883, bearing, 570; non-bearing, 1,031.

Quince Trees .- In 1882, bearing, 183; non-bearing, 243; in 1883, bearing, 211; non-bearing, 296. 29

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Cherry Trees .- In 1882, bearing, 6,927; non-bearing, 3,265; in 1883, bearing, 4,902; non-bearing, 2,937.

Siberian Crabs .- In 1882, bearing, 417; non-bearing, 552; in 1883, bearing, 753; non-bearing, 611.

Grape Vines .- In 1882, bearing. 8,292; non-bearing; 3,755; in 1883, bearing, 5,678; non-bearing,. 2,714.

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History of Hendricks County, Indiana, Part 39

Author: Inter-State Publishing Co. Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Number of Pages: 786

Author: Inter-State Publishing Co.
Publication date: 1885
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 786